CJ Martha Koome issues position on arrest of Justices Muchelule and Chitembwe

Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a statement on the arrest of Justice Aggrey Muchelule and Justice Juma Chitembwe.

In her statement, Koome said she was briefed by the two justices on details of their arrest, statements they recorded at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters and a search conducted at their Milimani Law Courts Chambers

“The two Judges have notified me that they recorded statements at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters following a search of their chambers at the Milimani Law Courts,” she said.

Koome however has said no formal report has been made to her as the Head of the Judiciary or as the Chair Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) concerning the arrests.

“However, no formal report has been made to me as the Head of the Judiciary or the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission,” she added.

The CJ also said the arrest of the two judges caused anxiety within the Judiciary.

She urged the judges and judiciary officials to continue discharging their duties courageously and assured them all that the independence of the Judiciary and duties are protected by the constitution.

“I assure all Judges and Judicial officers that the independence of the Judiciary and their constitutional duties are protected by the Constitution. They should therefore continue discharging their duties without any fear in accordance with their oath of office,” she affirmed.

Koome noted that the matter had been filed at the High Court, therefore, making any comments on it inappropriate 

Muchelule and Chitembwe were arrested on Thursday, July 22, 2021, on allegations of intended bribery.

Their arrest occasioned a search of their chambers after which they were later taken to the DCI headquarters where they were questioned for 2 hours.